3 Types Of Autism Therapy And Their Lifelong Benefits
Posted on: 21 July 2021
Would you like to see more independent living for a loved one who lives with autism? People who live with autism spectrum disorder face challenges developing physical skills, speech, and social skills. Autism is a lifelong condition, which makes it classified as a developmental disability. Luckily, today there is good information on this disability, enabling doctors to diagnose the condition early and offer remedial therapy. There are different types of autism therapy aimed at imparting lifelong skills.
Physical Therapy
Children with autism are slower to achieve the milestones expected in typically growing children. Their motor skills are slow to develop. For example, a child cannot participate in a soccer game very well because their jumping and kicking coordination is off.
In older people with autism, there is less body awareness. For example, they are prone to falling down a normal staircase because of poor feet and eye coordination. They are also prone to posture problems.
Physical autism therapy aims at improving motor skills, stamina and strength, body awareness and balance, body posture, and response to stimuli. This physical development enables people living with autism to engage in usual social activities, such as games. These skills improve independence to a level a person can fit in a workplace.
Speech Therapy
People living with autism often face problems in speech development because of the slow development of the faculties responsible for speech. They are also less able to use facial expressions, which are vital in everyday non-verbal communication.
Autism behavior therapy for speech development aims to improve pronunciation and speech construction. It also incorporates physical therapy to develop neck and facial muscles to help in proper speech. A speech therapist evaluates the level of speech development and makes goals for the therapy to enable communication that matches the person's age and milestones. It ensures the person is not left behind in learning and education.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy starts in young individuals to help them adjust in school and at home to later fit in a career as independent individuals. In younger years, the occupational therapist works with parents and teachers to cultivate vital self-care skills such as bathing and brushing the teeth.
In later years, occupational therapy develops social skills to help fit in wider social interactions at a job. It also involves developing skills vital for settings outside the comfort of home and work, for example, at the store. This type of therapy offers a level of independence that enables functioning as an adult member of society.
Are you concerned about the welfare of a loved one living with autism spectrum disorder? Talk to an autism behavior therapist about your concerns.
Share